French · Brive-la-Gaillarde, France · Born 25 September 1996Damian Penaud is a French winger who holds the national record for international tries scored.
Damian Penaud was born on 25 September 1996 in Brive-la-Gaillarde, France, the son of Alain Penaud, a former France international fly-half. He progressed through the youth ranks of Brive and Clermont, making his senior debut for Clermont in 2015 and developing into one of the most prolific and clinical finishers in French rugby. Penaud made his France debut in 2017 and quickly established himself as one of the most dangerous wingers in the international game, combining size, pace, and an instinctive positional sense that made him a consistent try threat. He helped Clermont reach domestic and European finals before moving to Bordeaux Bègles in 2023. Penaud has become France's all-time leading try scorer, surpassing the totals of the country's previous great wingers, and was a central figure in France's rise to the top of world rugby throughout the early 2020s, including the country's successful Six Nations Grand Slam campaigns. Penaud continues to represent France as one of the most feared attacking wingers in the international game, renowned for his clinical finishing in open play and his ability to convert half-chances into tries at the highest level of the sport.
France's all-time leading try scorer
How They Played
Penaud is renowned for his exceptional pace and ability to finish tries in tight spaces. He possesses strong footwork and agility that allows him to beat defenders in one-on-one situations. His positioning and timing make him a constant threat on the wing, while his work rate in defense adds valuable balance to his game.
Career Honours
- France all-time top try scorer
- Six Nations titles
- Top 14 title
| Club | Period | Apps | Tries | Shirt |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Clermont Auvergne | 2017–2024 | — | 24 | #11 |
| Stade Aurillacois | 2014–2017 | 184 | 24 | #11 |
 France | — | 38 | 18 | — |
French Athletes